Types of Autoclaves

What are the Types of Autoclaves?

Different types (Class of Autoclaves):

There are several varieties of autoclaves (4 types of autoclaves) available on the market, including

In many regions of the world, these domestic pressure cookers are still in use.
A rubber gasket can be used to fasten and seal the more contemporary form, which includes a metal chamber with a secure metal cover.
It contains a safety valve, pressure gauge, and a tap for steam and air discharge. At the bottom of the chamber is an electric immersion heater.

The top layer of a pressure cooker-style autoclave is made of premium stainless steel. A detachable lid serves as the covering for the top layer. The lower part is a hollow chamber in a similar way.

Below are the parts of this type autoclaves:

Heating Elements: For heating the water.
Gasket: Required for preventing the loss of vapor and heat.
Steam Releasing Valve: To substitute air present within the autoclave previously sterilization and steam after sterilization.
Pressure Regulating Valve (Stop Cock): To maintain the vapour pressure inside the chamber while sterilization is taking place by exhaling extra steam.
Safety Valve: To discharge extra steam if the stop cock fails to operate correctly.
Tripod Stand: To grip the physical objects that wanted to autoclave.
Vacuum Releasing Valve (Optional): To generate a pre-vacuum, prior to its operation.

This is the autoclave that is most frequently used in laboratories.
This also known as Class N Autoclave.
In this kind of autoclave, the heating unit creates steam inside the chamber, which circulates throughout the chamber for sterilization.
Comparatively speaking, this kind of autoclave is less expensive than others.

credit@ researchgate.net

In the case of this kind of (Positive pressure displacement type) autoclave, the steam is produced in a different steam generator and then introduced into the autoclave.
This autoclave is quicker because the steam can be produced in just a few seconds.
Compared to gravity displacement autoclaves, this type is an improvement.

A steam generator and a vacuum generator are both present in Negative pressure displacement type autoclave.
Here, the steam generator produces steam while the vacuum generator removes all of the air from the autoclave.
The autoclave is then filled with steam.
This autoclave type is the most frequently advised since it is highly accurate and achieves a high level of sterility assurance.
This type of autoclave is also the most expensive.